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Trusted by families since 1998.
Laureate College logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

Laureate College

Grades 1 — 12 — Burlington, ON (Map)
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School Busing:

Laureate College offers bus transferring. Service options offered are airport pick-up, regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, occasional rider, door-to-door pickup.

The regions Laureate College offers busing from are:

Additional notes: Airport pick-up is provided for international students upon their arrival. Busing fees, pick-up/drop-off schedules, and location will be released in mid-August for the following school year. Families can register online to be placed on the roster.

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Laureate College
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • Grades
    1 — 12
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    Varies
  • Tuition
    $1,850 to 27,810/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Special Needs Support
    No support
  • Enrolment
    61 day students, 16 boarding students, 20 eschool students
  • Curriculum
    Progressive
  • Associations
    AP
  • LOCATION
    Burlington, ON (View address)

Summer Operations

Laureate College operates summer camps and programs. Click here to learn about Camp Laureate.


The big picture on Laureate College

We summarized the school ourselves

With a beautiful 50-acre campus that includes woodlands, orchards, sports fields, the Jubilee Garden, and historic architecture, Laureate College offers an enriched and idyllic learning environment for K-12 students. The school has a strong focus on STEAM and Gifted Arts programs, small class sizes, and individualized pathways. Teachers support students in developing skills, independence, and confidence. The school’s unique term system allows students to concentrate intensively on two subjects at a time, building mastery and effective time management. Boarding students enjoy structured routines, in addition to special activities, guided by dedicated house advisors within a safe and welcoming dormitory. The school’s 100% university acceptance rate reflects its commitment to student success. With rolling enrollment, March Break and summer camps, and art programs for all ages, Laureate College maintains a vibrant community. With an innovative mindset built on a long-standing foundation, Laureate College is a growing institution where students can discover and pursue their passions.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Laureate College is a transformative STEAM school where curiosity, capability, and purpose shape every student’s learning journey. Set on a nature‑rich campus anchored by a historic 1927 building, Laureate offers inquiry-based learning, innovative teaching, and global engagement within a supportive, inclusive community. Every student is known, supported, and inspired to build confidence, character, skills and the competencies to emerge as thoughtful leaders who thrive in the face of challenge and change."

  • STEAM-focused, interdisciplinary learning across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
  • Project-based learning that builds real-world problem-solving and collaboration skills
  • Specialized pathways in Business, Gifted Arts, and Science & Engineering for Grades 9–12
  • Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and meaningful student-teacher connections
  • Curiosity-driven learning inspired by our expansive natural campus and innovation labs
  • Inclusive, diverse culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered
  • Creative and critical thinking are nurtured through hands-on inquiry and design challenges
  • Students develop as self-directed learners with global awareness and leadership skills
  • Future-ready graduates prepared for post-secondary success and lifelong innovation
  • A community of compassionate learners committed to making a difference in the world

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Laureate College delivers a distinctive STEAM-based education on a 50-acre campus adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment, where nature fuels curiosity and deep learning. Outdoor education, innovation labs, and co-op opportunities extend learning well beyond the classroom. Our learning environment is ideal for curious, driven students who are eager to grow within an engaging and supportive school community. Reflecting our school mantra—Forward Learning, Transforming People—our curriculum fosters higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world, environmentally connected applications. At the heart of Laureate’s approach are eight core competencies: citizenship, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, consolidation, consideration, and confidence. These pillars guide our students in becoming thoughtful, future-ready leaders who thrive in post-secondary education and beyond.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

At Laureate, we prioritize creativity, collaboration, and real-world application over rigid standardization and traditional testing models. We guide students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare them for complex, evolving futures. This means we place less emphasis on competitive ranking systems and highly prescriptive academic tracks, choosing instead to foster intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love of learning. We also prioritize interdisciplinary STEAM learning and innovation over strictly subject-siloed instruction. This sometimes means sacrificing the pace of content coverage in favour of ensuring conceptual depth and student engagement. Our investment in small class sizes, outdoor learning, and individualized advising necessitates a different focus on fewer, deeper, and more intentional experiences that empower students rather than offering every extracurricular or highly specialized elective that some larger schools offer.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Laureate College’s journey began over a century ago, rooted in a commitment to holistic education and community engagement. A key milestone was the move to our 50-acre campus adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment, which deepened our dedication to outdoor and experiential learning. The adoption of a STEAM approach marked another turning point, positioning Laureate as a future-focused, interdisciplinary school. We aim to be a community STEAM school, offering academic programs alongside summer camps, PD day camps, aftercare, and arts programs for local families. Signature events, such as Mother’s Day concerts, photography contests, and arts showcases, have strengthened our role as a vibrant community hub. Most recently, the expansion to include Grades 1 to 8 has allowed us to extend our innovative, student-centred learning model to younger learners, ensuring continuity and growth from elementary through high school. The kindergarten program will be available in the 2027-2028 school year.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who thrive at Laureate College are curious, creative, and eager to engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. They are open-minded problem-solvers who enjoy asking questions, collaborating with peers, and connecting what they learn to the real world. Our ideal students are not defined by grades alone but by their willingness to explore, grow, and take ownership of their learning journey. Families who benefit most from the Laureate experience value personalized education, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment where their child’s strengths, interests, and voice are seen and supported. They are forward-thinking and community-minded, appreciating a school that balances academic challenge with social-emotional development, outdoor learning, and real-world application. These families are drawn to Laureate’s emphasis on the eight core competencies, which prepare students to lead with confidence and compassion in a changing world.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

Aligning with the momentum of our growing Laureate community, we welcome families to join us as founding members and contribute to the continued growth of our school with added value. Families seeking a large student body and multiple social hubs may find that Laureate is not the perfect fit. We are a close-knit, inclusive community with students from diverse backgrounds and learning profiles, where each learner is known, supported, and celebrated. The best way to determine if Laureate is the right fit for your family is to book a private tour or attend one of our open houses, followed by a Buddy Day—where your child is paired with a student ambassador to experience firsthand what learning and life at our community STEAM school are truly like.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families choose Laureate College for our personalized, student-centered approach and strong focus on STEAM education. They value our small class sizes, inclusive environment, and commitment to whole-child development—balancing academic achievement with creativity, leadership, and well-being. Our project-based learning, outdoor education, and co-op credit courses connect students to real-world experiences. Specialized pathways in Gifted Arts, International Business, and Science & Engineering allow students to pursue their passions with purpose. Families also appreciate our one-on-one university pathway planning and counselling, which supports each student in setting goals and preparing for post-secondary success. Unlike larger schools, Laureate offers a close-knit, future-focused community where learning is meaningful, personal, and empowering.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"Thank you so much for the recap. Sam had an amazing buddy guiding her throughout the day, and everyone made her feel exceptionally welcome. She enjoyed the classes she was part of and felt everyone was very inclusive. She described the facilities as an excellent place for inspiration. While the student population is low, she feels that the large space balances it out, making her feel like she is part of a bigger ecosystem. She was very impressed with the talent of some students and really appreciated having the opportunity to mingle with students from other grades. This is a great way to pollinate talent across multiple grades. I appreciate you making the day a wonderful experience for Sam!” Laureate family 2024-2025.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

While some parents may hesitate due to our small student population, what is often underappreciated is the depth of personalized support each student receives. Our small community allows teachers and advisors to truly understand every learner’s unique strengths, challenges, and needs. This individualized attention builds confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset, fostering not only academic success but also personal development. The close-knit environment creates a caring and inclusive culture where every student feels valued and supported—a decisive advantage that makes Laureate more than just a school, but a place where students thrive as whole individuals.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

To ensure that every student can achieve success, learning is a shared process among staff and students, where Laureate instills a belief in lifelong learning for all. Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom; it is a state of mind that continuously expands our knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking for students, staff, and other partners. Becoming a self-directed learner and embracing the excitement of discovery will enrich our lives and make us active contributors to our communities. Some families find it surprising when students are engaged in self-directed learning in the classroom, which promotes autonomy, responsibility, and ownership of learning. Occasionally, families may interpret this as downtime and feel that learning is not happening, and teachers should always be on top of students' learning at all times.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Laureate College has recently expanded its grade offerings to include Grades 1 through 8, creating a seamless STEAM education pathway from early years through high school. We launched a state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, offering students hands-on opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and develop essential skills in creativity, engineering, and problem-solving. Our curriculum continues to evolve with enhanced project-based and inquiry-driven learning models that foster deep critical thinking and collaboration. New co-op credit courses offer real-world experiences alongside academic learning. We’ve also strengthened student support with dedicated advisors and expanded extracurricular programs through partnerships with local organizations. Faculty professional development emphasizes innovative, inclusive teaching practices to maintain our forward-thinking, welcoming community.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Laureate College will continue its commitment to “Forward Learning, Transforming People” by evolving as a leading community STEAM school that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and leadership. Over the next five years, we plan to grow enrollment to approximately 160 students, expanding offerings from JK through Grade 12. We will introduce Advanced Placement (AP) courses and broaden our Gifted Arts program to include dance and screen arts. We will expand our co-op program to offer more co-op courses and an outdoor education curriculum, featuring initiatives such as a farm-to-table program that connects students directly to sustainable food practices and environmental stewardship. We aim to expand community arts programs to foster greater engagement and creative collaboration between students, families, and local partners. We will grow responsibly within our natural surroundings, strengthening personalized, interdisciplinary education and preparing innovative learners for the future.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Parent, Bethany Davidson (2025)

(4.5)

Gr. 10 (current) — Our daughter transitioned here mid-school year, taking classes in person and online. Getting used to the various online platforms was a bit of a hurdle at first, but we are getting the hang of it. Our daughter really responds well to the teaching style at Laureate. She works hard but sometimes needs a little extra time, and the teachers’ patience and smaller class sizes allow for that. Having two intensive classes per term was a welcome shift as well. In previous schools, she might have had 8 or 9 classes at once, with exams falling over a one-week period, which was incredibly stressful. At Laureate, if she has a class she isn’t really happy with, we encourage her to give it her best for ten weeks, and she’ll be done. That seems to be a helpful mindset for her to persevere. Her teachers have been very friendly and supportive as well. Any time our daughter has reached out, they’ve been responsive and ensure she gets the clarity or assistance she needs to excel.

Student, Areej Shahzad (2025)

(4.6)

Gr. 11 (current) — Laureate College has provided an excellent platform for students to grow in both their academic and personal pursuits. From their exceptional gifted arts program to their emphasis on both STEM and English literacy, the school provides a perfect place for students like me to become both well-rounded and successful in their future endeavours. I have personally really enjoyed the school because of its flexible learning platforms. As an online student, their ability to successfully provide students with the resources and education they need to grow in their education is not limited at all. The teachers are amazing. They create a classroom where every student feels safe, welcome, and ready to learn. Overall, I am really satisfied and happy to continue with Laureate College as a student until graduation!

 

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